Preston City Mission on Corporation Street is set to be given an additional three years of use for its car park.

The land is owned by Preston City Council and while it is a prime development site it has continued to be used for mission members to park on.

The 450 square metre site is between the black and white timber church, built in 1900, and the new Premier Inn which faces onto the Ringway.

Planning officers write in their report: “The City Mission wish to use the land for car parking whilst it remains undeveloped; the applicant states that the proposed car park would accommodate car owners who regularly attend services at the Mission which is likely to lead to approximately 15 cars over five hours on Sundays (morning and evening services), 5-10 cars Monday to Friday (various activities) and 5 cars overnight on Fridays and Saturdays (Street pastors).

“The applicant also states that the proposed facility would be beneficial in removing cars from an overflow taxi rank and residents spaces where church attendees currently park (with permits) and would also be helpful to those people who wish to attend church who have mobility issues and other impairments.”

The application is due to be discussed at the city council’s planning committee who meet from 10am on Monday 4 August at the Town Hall.

In 2010 we reported how the church was due to be demolished and student flats built in its place, but the scheme has stalled.